On June 17th, 2026, my son Julian was one of the victims in the shooting that occurred at the Plum Creek apartments. He is only 11 years old. He was shot twice and had to be airlifted to UMC here in Lubbock, TX, and put in the PICU. He underwent surgery to remove the bullet, and the extent of the injury proved to be far more severe than initially anticipated once the surgeons were able to assess the damage. The bullet had caused a significant fracture to his femur, with the fracture line extending downward along the bone. Due to the severity of the injury, the surgical team was required to implant a larger fixation plate and additional screws to properly stabilize the fracture.

My son now will have to live with this trauma and with a bullet fragment still in his body. All he wanted to do was enjoy his summer break with his friend and swim. It should have been a fun day for him, but it turned into a nightmare, all because of some reckless youngsters.

We have a long and difficult recovery ahead of us, as he will end up needing physical therapy and relearn how to walk. He will have to be in a wheelchair and use a walker. We will have to constantly travel from Amarillo to Lubbock. As a mother, no parent should ever go through this. And no child should ever go through this. This is a difficult time for us. It absolutely breaks my momma heart.

I will have to take time off from work to be there for my son as he recovers. I am a single mom of two, doing it all on her own.

So, I am asking for help in this traumatic and painful situation. No matter the amount, it will make a difference. If you cannot help, all I ask is for prayers and to please share.

Thank you, and God bless you.